Refugees are welcome here

On Saturday 16th June 2012,  I took part in the March and Rally in Glasgow's city centre in support of call to stop the destitution and eviction of asylum seekers.

Demonstrators gather in George Square after successful march.

The impact of destitution on the asylum seekers themselves is being forced to sleep rough and beg for the basics. They experience a deterioration in mental health, a loss of hope leading to frequent suicide attempts, and the loss of a daily pattern to their lives. 

Findings of various studies and research in to destitution provide evidence that solutions exist which are humane, cheaper and effective.

“The policy of enforced destitution must cease. The system of asylum seeker support is a confusing mess. We have seen no justification for providing varying standards of support and recommend the introduction of a coherent, unified, simplified and accessible system of support for asylum seekers, from arrival until voluntary departure or compulsory removal from the UK.” (The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, 2006-07)


The recommendations from the report in to the treatment of asylum seekers published by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights should be implemented as a priority to prevent the ongoing distress and hardship of asylum seekers.   


Useful link:


The Joint Committee on Human Rights, The Treatment of Asylum Seekers, 2006-7 - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200607/jtselect/jtrights/81/81i.pdf

Refugee Survival Trust - http://www.rst.org.uk/